Senior Airport Planner - Design and Construction - SFO

Job Summary

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is hiring a Planner IV (Senior Airport Planner) in the Airport Planning and Environmental Affairs (PEA) department. The position is responsible for leading complex aviation planning studies, preparing reports and briefings, and managing staff and contractors to advance airport goals.

• Application Opening:
  Thursday, March 5, 2026
• Final date to receive applications:
  Apply immediately (may close at 5 PM Wednesday, March 18, 2026)
• Compensation Range: $152,646 – $185,432 annually
• Recruitment -

• Assist with PEA’s overall programs and functions, including development of project and contract budgets, scopes, and schedules.
• Manage and direct major and complex planning and programming studies to advance airport goals and objectives, and oversee tasks performed by other staff Planners, administrative support staff, and technical consultants.
• Evaluate techniques to optimize airport facilities and better program facility development to meet forecast demand.
• Draft and review specialized studies relating to airport planning and development programming, analyze data to support policy and decision-making.
• Engage community, business, and other stakeholders to promote airport land use compatibility and positive public relations.
• Review and analyze market, financial, and political feasibility of capital improvements, development projects, and operation and maintenance activities.
• Prepare airport development plans, the Airport Layout Plan sets, aviation activity forecasts, and other planning documents per FAA orders and advisory circulars.
• Interpret and explain legal, technical, and procedural aspects of airport planning and associated FAA rules to stakeholders.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Education
  :
  Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Experience
  :
  Six (6) years in city, urban, and/or regional planning, or related planning environment (e.g., transportation, environmental, architecture, urban design).
• Experience in airport/aviation planning
  :
  Three (3) years of recent and verifiable experience.

• Three (3) years of recent and verifiable experience in airport/aviation planning, including airport facilities planning, master planning, airfield/airspace planning, aviation demand forecasting, and environmental planning/permitting.

Possession of a Master’s degree in City, Regional or Urban Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Geography, Urban Studies or Environmental Sciences may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.

• Six (6) years of experience in airport/aviation planning.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Political Science or Aviation Management.
• Knowledge of Federal and State environmental laws and FAA rules and regulations.
• Analytical skills to interpret data on strategic and operational airport facility impacts.
• Leadership skills to manage planning studies and staff/consultant work.
• Effective communication with public, government officials, and technical personnel.
• Clear technical writing ability.
• Experience facilitating airport policy discussions and representing the airport at industry conferences.
• Capability to develop administrative procedures and budgets, and supervise other employees and contractors.

Qualified applicants will be invited to an oral examination to assess knowledge, ability, and skill in job‑related areas. Final status may not be guaranteed for all qualified candidates. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and special conditions are required to complete the examination and are subject to security clearance procedures.

The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status or other protected category.

Submit your application online through the City and County of San Francisco portal at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Follow portal instructions and ensure all required information is complete. Applicants will receive a confirmation email upon submission.